Sneaky Travel Fees

Airport-Car-Rental Facility Fee

Why you’re being charged: Rental-car companies pay concession fees to operate at the airport, and they have the right to pass these costs on to you, the customer.

The cost: As much as 30 to 40 percent more than the base rate at a rental location just outside the airport. For example, expect to pay almost $300 more a week when renting from the Hertz LAX airport location compared with the downtown Los Angeles location, 10 miles away.

How to get around it: Do a cost comparison. Chances are, it will be cheaper to rent off the airport grounds, even if you have to take a taxi or―even better―a free shuttle bus to the other location.